Sigma Lambda Alpha

Landscape Architecture

Admitted to ACHS: 1983

Associate: 1983Full membership: 1986

Founded at University of Minnesota, 1977

No of Active Chapters: 55

Total Membership: 11000

Number of Regions: 7

Publications: Newsletter

PURPOSE: To encourage, recognize, and reward academic excellence in preparation for the profession of landscape architecture. The society elects, in addition, those who have achieved professionally. Honorary and Distinguished Memberships; students, faculty/staff, and professionals are recognized. Leadership and sound character are emphasized. Preserving the valuable traditions and customs consonant with the wise husbandry of the land are sought, and a spirit of amiability is fostered among those of marked ability in this discipline.

ELIGIBILITY: Undergraduates, preferably juniors, and seniors of sound character, with a 3.4 GPA on a four-point scale are eligible. Graduate students who have completed at least one-third of the degree credit requirements with a 3.5 GPA on the same point-scale and rank in the upper 35% of their class are eligible, both MLA and doctoral candidates.

MAJOR ACTIVITIES: SLA and its members are obligated to nourish, recognize, and reward scholarship in all ways possible. Collegiate chapter activities that serve that end are stressed. Service to the school, the program, and all students in it, is encouraged. Promoting the high ideals in professional education and assisting the worthy endeavors of landscape architecture are required; social functions are incidental. The chapters sponsor lectureships, tutorials, seminars, design competitions, and exhibits of student projects. A national scholarship of $1000 is given annually to a graduate and an undergraduate member; $500 travel grants are awarded annually.